by Jane Chitty
When skin tags first appear, they look the same on everyone – small soft bumps that seem to hang from the skin. There is no pain and you can easily twist them. Those early stages are the best time to remove skin tags with a skin tag home remedy.
Later, skin tags can start to differ in appearance from person to person – in some they are brown colored, fleshy in appearance and smooth while in others the skin tags might be irregular in shape and look a lot more pigmented. They can vary in size from between 1 mm to 5 cms. But even then, it is still possible to use a home remedy for their removal.
As people grow older, skin tags can develop and they do tend to be more numerous in those who are overweight or who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. A skin tag can be a real nuisance and may appear along the neckline, under the arms, beneath the breasts, on and above the eyelids and even in the genital area. Fortunately, removing skin tags is relatively easy especially if you start to treat them in the early stages.
What is Skin Tag?
Some skin tags may have a stalk (or peduncle) making them hang, or stick up, from the skin. A skin tag is a tumor because it is a growth but it is very important to know that it is a benign growth.
When they are in awkward places such as the neck, clothes can rub on them or they can be shaved in error.
Skin tags can become inflamed, sore and even bleed if rubbed hard. Most people dislike having skin tags because they affect their appearance and make them feel self-conscious.
Skin Tag Causes
It is thought that about 50% of the adult population will be affected with skin tags. But they are more likely to occur in women and especially in those who reach their mid-40s. So you are more likely to have skin tags as you age.
Other reasons for skin tags to occur include:
• Heredity – This is a very common cause; so if you have a close relative with skin tags, you are likely to get them yourself.
• Pregnancy – Being pregnant often causes an imbalance of the hormones, leading them to react differently.
• High levels of growth as in cases of acrogmegaly (known as gigantism)
• Chaffing and irritation from the skin rubbing together – When enough friction occurs, the skin becomes red and irritated causing it to dry out and peel. Underarms are very prone to chaffing and skin tags often appear there.
• Obesity or being overweight.
• The presence of diabetes type 2 mellitus
• Insulin rejection
• Anal fissures or hemorrhoids in the case of anal skin tags.
• Use of illegal steroids- This interferes with the body and muscles, which in turn can affect the skin causing the collagen fibers to bond in such a way that skin tags are formed.
If you are at all doubtful as to whether you have skin tags, make an appointment to see your doctor or a dermatologist for a definite diagnosis. There are other skin conditions such as moles, warts and general skin damage from the sun or chemicals which might cause confusion. So it is better to consult with your doctor first.
Home Remedies to Remove Skin Tags
Once you know that you have skin tags, here are some skin tag home remedies you can try:
• Home freezing
There are many over-the-counter products which you can buy and use to freeze skin tags at home. The main ingredient is salicylic acid but you would obviously need to be very cautious and follow the instructions carefully.
• Tying Hair Around the Base of the Skin Tag the Old Fashioned Way
In our great grandmother’s time, they would remove unwanted skin tags by tying a hair or some fine thread around the base of the skin tag to cut off the blood supply so that after some time the skin tag would die and drop off.
This method can still be used today if you are prepared to have bits of thread hanging from your skin. The down side is that the threads can get dirty and look unhygienic during the process. Depending on the location of the skin tag, you may need help to tie the string tight enough to be effective.
• Snipping off
Removing skin tags by snipping off with a pair of scissors is considered a risky home remedy because of the chance of infection and bleeding. So don’t try this without professional help.
• Natural essential oils treatment
This method for the removal of skin tags is a safe and gentle skin tag home remedy. You carry out the removal in the comfort and privacy of your own home with no pain or risk of scarring. H-Skin Tags is a blend of essential oils specially formulated to be absorbed directly into the skin tag as well as the underlying skin for speedy elimination.
If you are one of those with skin tags or ancrochordons, remember that they are harmless – they are just little bits of skin which grew where they should not have grown. It is easy to remove them yourself using a suitable home remedy.
(Jane Chitty writes regularly about healing natural oils. Jane lives in Cape Town, South Africa but is able to spend some time in both the USA and the UK because of close family living there. She loves to compare natural treatments and lifestyles – especially in the areas of health, green living and nutrition – in these three very different countries. Her daily posts can be found at www.amoils.com/health-blog.)
Be the first to comment